Introduction To Space Physics

1. Explain the fundamentals of astronomy and satellite communication.
2. Describe the principles of atmospheric science and the space environment.
3. Discuss the basics of rocket engineering and space exploration.
4. Understand the evolution of cosmological theories.
5. Explain international space law and treaties.
6. Apply scientific principles to analyze space-related phenomena.

13 weeks, about 88 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

   • Unit 1: Introduction to Astronomy · 6 hours

     Understand the meaning of Astronomy and Astrophysics.. Explain the History and Origin of Astronomy.. Describe how Astronomers work.. Explain the various Coordinate systems used by astronomers..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

   • Unit 2: The Solar System · 6 hours

     Explain the composition of the Solar System.. Differentiate between comets and Asteroids.. State and explain Kepler's laws of planetary motion.. Derive the Newton's form of Kepler's 3rd law..

3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

   • Unit 3: Satellite System · 7 hours

     Explain the Fundamentals of Satellite Systems.. List the basic characteristics of satellites.. Define the term Transponder.. Discuss the principle of Spacecraft and Repeater.. Explain the various types of Spacecraft Antennas..

4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

   • Unit 4: Satellite Networks · 7 hours

     Understand the various satellites orbit configurations.. Explain the architecture of satellite networks.. List and explain the 3 generic forms of satellite connectivity.. Define the term Connectivity..

5. Week 5Module 1: Introduction to Astronomy and Satellite Communication

   • Unit 5: Satellite communications · 7 hours

     List the advantages of Satellite Communication.. List the characteristics of microwave link.. Understand the concept of Digital Transmission, Compression and Routing.. Explain the principle of Cable Television.. Discuss the three main aspects of the mobile sector..

6. Week 6Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

   • Unit 1: Introduction to Atmospheric science · 6 hours

     Define Atmospheric science.. List the various subdivisions of Atmospheric science.. Understand the basics of Meteorology and forecasting.. Differentiate between Weather and Climate.. Understand the chemical composition of Air..

7. Week 7Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

   • Unit 2: Structure of the Atmosphere · 6 hours

     List and explain the atmospheric layers.. Define Hadley cell, Ferrell cell and polar cell.. Define Atmospheric pressure.. Explain Fronts and their relation to Baroclinic Waves.

8. Week 8Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

   • Unit 3: Thermodynamics · 6 hours

     State the Gas laws.. Derive the ideal gas equation.. Differentiate between the Ideal gas equation of State for a specific gas using mass (m) & Specific Gas Constant R from the Ideal gas equation for any ideal gas using moles & the Universal Gas Constant R*.. Define Geopotential.. State the laws of thermodynamics..

9. Week 9Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

   • Unit 4: Atmospheric Dynamics · 6 hours

     Know how Clouds are formed.. Classify clouds based on atmospheric layers.. Differentiate between Thunderstorms and Clouds.. Explain the formation of Thunderstorm.. Explain Atmospheric Kinematics of Fluid Flow..

10. Week 10Module 2: Atmospheric Science & the space Environment

    • Unit 5: The Space Environment · 6 hours

      Explain where space begins and describe our place in the universe.. List the major hazards of the space environment and describe their effects on spacecraft.. List and describe the major hazards of the space environment that pose a problem for humans living and working in space..

11. Week 11Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

    • Unit 1: Rocket Engineering · 5 hours

      Define a Rocket.. Explain the Principles of Rocket propulsion.. State the Newton's third law of motion and derive the Rocket equation.. Explain the Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation.. Explain the principles of the thermal Rocket..

12. Week 12Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

    • Unit 2: The Rotation of the earth · 5 hours

      Explain the earth's rotation.. Explain how a spacecraft gets into space.. Define Parking Orbit.. Calculate the path of the spacecraft in terms of the total angular momentum..

    • Unit 3: introduction to Cosmology · 5 hours

      Explain the Fundamental observations of modern cosmology.. List and explain the Evolution of Cosmological theories.. Explain when the universe is isotropic and homogeneous..

13. Week 13Module 3: Rocket Engineering, Space Exploration & Space Law

    • Unit 4: Modern Cosmology · 5 hours

      Explain the Big-Bang Theory.. Explain the Steady-State.. Understand the Future of the Universe..

    • Unit 5: Space Law · 5 hours

      Explain the following Space Treaties: Rescue Agreement, Moon Agreement, Registration Convention, Liability Convention, The Limited Test Ban Treaty, Outer Space Treaty (OST)..